Hyderabad: The Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Police issued a public alert on Tuesday, warning citizens about a growing fake e-challan scam involving fraudulent payment links circulated through SMS and WhatsApp messages.
According to the advisory, unknown cyber fraudsters are sending deceptive messages claiming that traffic challans are pending against vehicles. The messages urge recipients to make immediate payments by clicking on links that closely resemble official government websites.
Police said that once users click the fake link, they are asked to enter their vehicle registration number. After this, a challan amount appears on the screen, creating a false sense of authenticity. When victims attempt to make the payment, malicious software may get installed on their mobile phones or their banking credentials may be compromised.
Officials warned that this fake e-challan scam has resulted in unauthorised financial transactions, mobile hacking and theft of sensitive personal information. The Cyber Crime Police stressed that government agencies do not send payment links through WhatsApp or personal messages.
The advisory urged the public to remain cautious and verify all traffic-related payments through official government portals only. Citizens were also advised to avoid clicking on suspicious or unknown links received via messaging platforms or social media.
Advisory issued amid rise in fake e-challan scam cases
The Cyber Crime Police said traffic challan payments should be made only through authorised government websites or official mobile applications. They cautioned people against sharing OTPs, UPI PINs, debit or credit card details on unverified platforms.
Officials also advised citizens to install mobile applications only from official app stores. They further recommended keeping mobile phones updated with the latest security patches and antivirus software to reduce vulnerability to cyber attacks.
In cases where individuals fall victim to the fake e-challan scam, the police advised immediate action. Victims should disconnect mobile data or Wi-Fi without delay and contact their bank to block cards or transactions.
The Cyber Crime Police also urged victims to dial the national cyber fraud helpline number 1930 for immediate assistance. Complaints can also be lodged through the official cybercrime reporting portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
In addition, affected individuals were advised to approach the nearest Cyber Crime Police Station for further support. Officials said timely reporting helps prevent further financial loss and assists authorities in tracking cyber fraud networks.
The Hyderabad City Cyber Crime Police reiterated that public awareness remains the strongest defence against online fraud. They urged citizens to stay alert and verify information before making any digital payments.
